2024 NFL Draft grades: Seahawks get mostly positive marks from analysts

Another draft where there’s more kudos for the Seahawks than eyebrow raises and question marks.

NFL Draft grades are out and, as usual, most of the class passed and will advance to a 300-level course.

Instead of combing through every major site looking for grades from notable NFL analysts, the work has already been done for us. Rene Bugner did the time-intensive work of compiling the letter grades of 20 evaluators, and converting those scores into a grade point average.

Only the Atlanta Falcons got widely panned for their draft, largely because of the Michael Penix Jr selection at No. 8, but also the big trade up for Clemson’s Ruke Orhorhoro, who was considered a reach as an early second-round pick.

The Seattle Seahawks didn’t have a glamorous draft compared to the previous two seasons (aided heavily by the Russell Wilson trade), but it was enough for the pundits to generally give the Seahawks what would average out to a B or a B-.

It should be noted that Ryan McCrystal’s “D” grade for the Seahawks was actually for the 49ers. His actual Seattle grade was a C+, but that doesn’t change a whole lot.

Let’s get into a couple of deep dives. Some fella named Danny Kelly from The Ringer gave the Seahawks a B for their draft:

SEATTLE FOCUSED PRIMARILY ON THE TRENCHES IN THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE JOHN SCHNEIDER/MIKE MACDONALD ERA. That strategy started with the selection of defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, an instant impact interior defender who plays with first-step quickness and immense strength to collapse the pocket. The Seahawks lacked a second-round pick (used to trade for Leonard Williams last season), but got great value in the third round with offensive guard Christian Haynes, a plug-and-play starter at a position of need. Seattle added a rangy linebacker in Tyrice Knight, a strong blocking tight end in AJ Barner, and a pair of potential depth linemen in Sataoa Laumea and Michael Jerrell on Day 3. Plus they grabbed two former teammates at Auburn who could compete for snaps in cornerbacks Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James. All in all, an unsexy but solid weekend for the Seahawks.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper went a little lower with a B-:

My mock draft choices for the Seahawks had gotten a little boring, I’ll admit. I just kept giving them Troy Fautanu, the top-ranked guard and one of my favorite prospects in this class. Why? Because guard was their biggest need and because I couldn’t find another spot for Fautanu above them at No. 16. The fit just made too much sense.

But it’s never that easy, is it? Seattle GM John Schneider passed on Fautanu and selected top-ranked defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (16) instead, trying to shore up a run defense that ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed per game (138.4) and 32nd in rushing first downs allowed (143). Murphy also can penetrate as an interior pass-rusher. I would have had a bigger problem with the choice if Schneider hadn’t landed my third-ranked guard in Round 3, as Christian Haynes (81) could be an instant starter. These are two solid picks for the Seahawks.

Tight end AJ Barner (121) wasn’t much of a pass-catcher in college, but he’s a good blocker. The Seahawks took not one but two cornerbacks from Auburn on Day 3 in Nehemiah Pritchett (136) and D.J. James (192). I actually had James rated higher.

This is not the most glamourous draft Schneider has put together, but there is talent throughout.

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Lastly, NFL.com’s Chad Reuter paid the highest compliments to Seattle and handed them an A.

Analysis: Murphy was always the pick for Seattle if available at No. 16 because of his ability to pressure quarterbacks and play the run. Haynes will start as a rookie for the Seahawks due to his athleticism and toughness. Re-upping defensive lineman Leonard Williams paid off the second-round investment in that trade with the Giants.

Knight is the strong tackler the Seahawks needed in the middle of their defense, though others like Jeremiah Trotter Jr. were available. Barner is a reliable receiver and blocker who can replace Will Dissly. Pritchett should have been picked much earlier. Laumea played well at tackle but projects as a power blocker at guard. No edge rushers were selected, so I suspect a couple top undrafted free agents will be signed.

As always, these grades are best observed and reviewed in about three or four years. We’ll check back in 2027 or 2028, aka three or four Seahawks Super Bowls later.